training and supplement Question

[cabezon]

When I am doing my long runs, I am building capillaries and vascularity for better O2, energy transfer, correct? I am building my body. When I use creatine, I have more energy through the ATP cycle. When I use NoXplod or the like, that is a vassal dilator no?

so, in the long run, am I better base building with or without these supplements?

and for race time, how far in advance should I be supplementing?

[Vitruvian]

Cab,

Endurance events are not my forte, that is for sure. But I do feel confident saying supplementation with things like creatine and NO-Xplode should be done on more of a routine basis, as opposed to pre-race. Now let me explain:

You would do best to be accustomed to the use of any given supplement to some degree, and plan your cycle of it to coincide with when it does you best. So if you like NO-Xplode and feels it really gives you a boost the first few days you use it, plan your use of it so that you are coming off of a break from it right before a race.
Not saying you're guilty of this, but I know a lot of guys in multiple sports who have gotten a supplement specifically for a sport competition, and used it only the week of the contest, just to find it was detrimental.

Products like creatine and NO-Xplode work differently for different people, but most will agree 4 weeks on with a 2-4 week break, before repeating, work best.

Summary: Sorry I can't help much. lol

[cabezon]

So possibly a cycle during training and then a cycle into race time. My next race is May 5 for a 5K, so I am thinking I will wait a few weeks and start April.

My real concern is that I am dilating blood vessels rather than building new ones. and that long term that this might have a negative effect on my body's adaptation.

[Vitruvian]

Originally Posted by cabezon

So possibly a cycle during training and then a cycle into race time. My next race is May 5 for a 5K, so I am thinking I will wait a few weeks and start April.

My real concern is that I am dilating blood vessels rather than building new ones. and that long term that this might have a negative effect on my body's adaptation.

hmmm... I'd like to hear Josh's input on this one: dilation vs. new blood vessels.
I will say that most N.O. products are 50% hype, 50% caffeine. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of most N.O. products as vasodilators, and you'll find that most users who report loving an N.O. product love one of the pre-workout, caffeine laden ones. People fall for the "feel" effect of energy boost all the time.